OAK Mall Proposing Demolition And Residential Development

GREENOCK’S Oak Mall is lining up another attempt to get permission for demolition of a large section of the shopping centre.

The mall is to hold public consultation over plans to knock down the eastern wing.

A similar proposal earlier this year was refused but this time the mall is also including residential development in its plans to address what would happen to the vacant site.

The section of the mall involved has a high level of vacancies and extends from beneath the A78 High Street, up to and including the existing entrance on to Clyde Square.

The previous application was refused because of the lack of certainty surrounding the future use of the prominent gap site that would be created, the impact on the historic environment and the design of a proposed new mall façade.

Inverclyde Council officials, in a report to councillors earlier this year, admitted: “The council recognise the need for radical changes to the mall and are keen to work with the owners to find a mutually acceptable solution.”

No further details have been revealed — a consultation event will take place at the shopping centre on Wednesday 9 October from 1 to 7pm.